Neurological Assessment: Evaluating Pupillary Reflex
Understanding the Importance
During assessment or triage, it's crucial to examine patients for potential head injuries or neurological deficits, as these may indicate underlying brain problems.
Using a Pen Light
A pen light is a valuable tool for detecting signs of brain swelling or pressure on the optic nerve.
Procedure:
- Clean the pen light before use.
- Activate the light by pressing the clip.
- Shine the light into both eyes.
- Observe pupil reaction to light exposure.
Observations:
- Both pupils should retract equally when exposed to light.
- Repeat the process for each eye individually.
Key Points:
- Ensure proper positioning of the light to avoid false readings.
- Use shading if necessary to aid pupil dilation.
- Check for equal and reflexive pupil responses.
Recording:
Record pupil size using the numbered scale on the pen torch.
Interpreting Findings
Unequal pupil size may indicate neurological deficits, requiring immediate referral to A&E.